Many people wish that their smile were a bit whiter and brighter than it currently is. They want to see the staining that has built up over time eliminated. One of the most common low-cost options is whitening strips. These strips at quite useful at helping people achieve this. In most cases, these strips do produce results. However, we at Vita Dental Spring want to tell you about some of the side effects that may arise from using these strips.

How the Strips Work

The strips are made using a soft plastic substance and then coated with a thin layer of whitening gel. The gel will usually contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. When applied to the teeth, the gel is pressed against the teeth’s surface and held there. It then absorbs into the teeth and lightens them.

These strips need to be applied daily for about two weeks. It’s a simple process and works well, especially for mild cases of teeth staining. However, there are some issues, which you need to be aware of if you want good results.

There Is A Risk Of Uneven Whitening

However well you place the strips, the fact is that the piece is a 2D surface applied to 3D teeth. There is always a chance that it will not make full contact with the teeth. Without careful application, you might leave some spots uncovered. These tiny uncovered areas can grow in number with time. At best, you will have uneven results. In the worst cases, you will have yellow edges, which can be quite noticeable.

A Risk Of Gum Problems

The bleaching agent used in whitening strips is not as powerful as the one we use at Vita Dental Spring. However, it is still a harsh chemical and can damage the soft tissues of the gums. If possible, ensure that there is no contact between the gums and strips. However, this is easier said than done. You may even use scissors to cut a piece so that it more closely resembles your smile. This balance is hard to achieve, but you should at least try it.

There Is A Risk Of Tooth Sensitivity

Although the strips are safe; when used in moderation,overdoing it can lead to sensitivity and cause permanent damage to the teeth.Excessive use can cause the enamel layer to erode, and you will not just suffer tooth pain,but you will be at risk of tooth decay and other issues. With time, this may even lead to tooth loss.

Never use the tooth strips longer than the recommended period. Also, be sure that your teeth are in excellent condition and that they do not have gum disease or cavities before you begin the treatment. If you do experience any tooth sensitivity, you can always use tooth sensitivity toothpaste until the sensitivity dissipates.

Child User Error

Adults may be trusted to use the strips according to the instructions. However, data suggests that kids do not follow directions when left alone to use whitening strips. In some cases, they will leave them on longer than instructed. Besides that, some will even swallow them especially if they are young. Thus, it is not recommended to use whitening strips on children.

Another reason never to use whitening strips on children is that there is not enough data. Simply put, no one has commissioned research to show whether these strips are good or bad for teeth. Studies that exist are not conclusive. Thus, most dental experts would never advise you to use dental strips on kids, including the ones at Vita Dental Spring.

There Is Always an Alternative

The official position is that due to the lack of research, the whitening strips are not safe for teens and children. Besides that, they are not entirely useful primarily for the removal of stains in extensive staining. In such a case, you will need a dental expert such as the ones at Vita Dental Spring.

The best way to maintain gleaming teeth is to maintain proper dental hygiene and to attend the regular dental checkups without fail. Besides that, it is recommended to avoid habits that might stain teeth such as tobacco use and taking too much coffee. It is also essential to replace your toothbrush often to ensure that bristles are still useful.

Should You Use Them?

Whitening strips are an effective way to improve the appearance of stained teeth. However, the possible issues about should cause you to pause and think before you use them. Always consult your dentist if you plan to whiten your teeth.

Even better, you can visit our offices and have dental veneers, which offer results that are more permanent. The veneers that we provide offer better results with time and have lower risks. Besides that, the cost is quite lower over time although the initial price is a bit higher.

Dr. Pil and his staff are amaizing! He takes time to explain every little detail and makes sure you are comfortable. Jess and Yancy are so sweet and patient. I love this practice. I recommend it 100 %read more

This is not your typical dental office- they go above and beyond for you. I'm very lucky to have found them. I needed an urgent appointment that other dentists would not even bother with but Yancy went out of her way to get me settled in and dealt with my dental insurance drama and Jessica had excellent bedside manner. Dr. Sun is nicest doctor and his work was incredible! He did not hesitate at all to get me fixed up. I will definitely be coming back for future treatments. This was the smoothest appointment I've ever had. Money was well spent! -Minaread more

Vita Dental is awesome! The young ladies at the front desk are super sweet and so friendly. (Especially, Yancy! She's absolutely the BEST!!!) The whole staff is genuinely nice including the doctor. They made me feel relaxed and actually make the visit to the dentist enjoyable. I totally recommend Vita Dental!!read more

Excellent service overall and great friendly staff, both the doctors and staff are very professional. Especially Jessica, she’s super sweet and is one of the reasons why I highly recommended this office to my friends and family. Dr. Pill was also a great doctor, he listened and took his time working on my teeth.read more

First, let me start off by saying thank you so very much for making my daughters appointment so smooth and comfortable for her.She came in having a pretty high fear, until you all were able to quickly ease her mind and make her feel safe and secure while also building her trust. Thank you Dr. Shin and your team staff, Jessica and Yancey for your professional bedside manners, as well as taking the time to address any related questions and/or concerns. I couldn’t be more happier and pleased with how everyone took their time to make sure she was not only comfortable, but also aware of what was going on in that moment and what was to be expected. I believe I have found my daughters main dentist I’ve been in search for!Thank you again for all that you do because your passion of work clearly shines through!read more

I highly recommend Vita Dental! It’s not exciting to go to the dentist, but this is the first place that makes me want to come back. The people who work there really make you feel comfortable and know what they’re doing! I spoke to Jessica and she was so sweet! If you need a dentist, this is the place!read more

So impressed! Excellent service great staff! You can tell vita dental are here to help you, they provide different type of payment plans for treatment that’s so convenient! Definitely will be returning!read more

My first time here it was a little wait time the front desk was always keeping me updated and making sure I was okay. Once I finally went to the back Jessica the assistant didn’t take long at all to do my whole x-rays and getting me ready for the doctor to see me. Dr. Pil was very good at explaining everything I needed he even took pictures of my teeth. I’m very impressed with the staff and the quality in the work. The wait time was so worth it at the end. Thank you vita staffread more

Highly recommend Dr.pil and his dental assistant Jessica! They took their time to explain everything and answered all my questions! They did an amazing job on my teeth cleaning! Jessica is the sweetest! First time here and will not be my last! Definitely will be coming back!read more

I just met the most wonderful ladies today such hard workers for this company. I had to write them a review. Yancy and Jessica came up to me today to promote the office and offer me a free exam and cleaning.God bless them.read more

I highly recommend Dr.Pil and his entire Vita Dental Spring staff for providing a professional, considerate and helpful service to our community! With Yancy, the first person you meet, is attentive, engaging and efficient with extensive knowledge of insurance coverages. Also, Jessica, the dental assistant is very friendly and efficient.Overall excellent and Dr. Phil is knowledgeable and recommends the best for his patients.read more

Had 4 appointments scheduled over a week ago. I set them up after they called me, reminding me about scheduling the next visit. I pulled the kids out of school, took off work early scrambled all over the city trying to get there on time. Not only was the dentist late, they told me the appointments I scheduled were a mistake and the three boys did not need an appointment, only me. They couldn’t tell me that BEFORE I took off work and pulled them out of school. I scheduled the appointment at least a week ago, maybe two. ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS! How extremely frustrating. They even gave me a courtesy call reminding me about the appointments - the ones I apparently didn’t need. Ugh.
The sad part is we were pleased with the dentists up to this point. The front office receptionist was like, “Well sorry. Shall we reschedule?”read more

I have been looking to switch over to a new dental office and it looks like I found the right one. Yancy helped me with everything over the phone before my appointment . The office is very clean and professional. I would definitely recommend this office.read more

I visited Vita Dental for the first time and Dr. Pil’s staff made to feel very comfortable. Jessica and Yancy are awesome, as well as Dr. Pil. He took the time to explain everything to me. His staff was happy to answer any questions I had. Also, the office environment was very calming to me. Vita Dental gets high marks from me and I totally recommend them.read more

My husband and I were very satisfied with the service and facilities. The staff was helpful and friendly. The dentist was patient and clearly explained the treatment plan. We highly recommend this place.read more

At first I thought it was kinda weird that I get a call from the staff to remind me my boys due for cleaning and check up. But I can honestly say I’m happy I did come visit Vita dental had a good experience.read more

Vita Dental of Spring is a walking distance from my house, went just for cleaning (because I floss and brush twice a day and did not have a single cavity for 20 years), ended up paying close to $400. I have the best dental insurance plan (PPO plan), they verified my dental insurance few minutes before the appointment, they never informed me that they are out of network and they took me straight to see the dentist who did unnecessary dental check because all I need is the cleaning, and before they do the cleaning they presented the bill to me and said "shall we continue with the cleaning?" I said since am here already go ahead, they said there will be an additional $85, I was so angry for this unprofessional and unethical dental practice which I have never seen before in any dental clinic anywhere.
I DO NOT RECOMMEND VITA DENTAL OF SPRING and will never come to their clinic again.read more

Good dentist to go to. They squeezed me in their schedule and when I arrived everything was so smooth. From checking in, filling out paperwork and them checking my insurance, to the doctor explaining and doing my cleaning! Thanks everyoneread more

Took my kids to Vita, my youngest was its first time and as soon as we walked out the door she said, “mommy we should come to the dentist more often” that is something that cannot be explained, specially considering past experiences with my oldest! Amazing office!!!!read more

I’ve got to say Dr. Son is one of the best dentist I’ve met I don’t feel no pain when getting my treatment done that’s a first!! His staff is beyond great always with an awesome attitude what else can you ask for from a dental office. I truly recommend vita dental to anyoneread more

I was a walk in patient and they saw me same day. The Dr Son was so gental his assistant jessy was very gentle as well. Karina was so helpful with my payment plans. Everyone had very great attitudes not like other offices I’m very impressed!read more